Greek Islands

The greenest of the Greek Islands, Corfu combines lush Venetian-influenced architecture with stunning beaches and a vibrant food scene. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its winding alleyways and imposing fortresses, is one of Greece's finest.

Santorini is Greece's most dramatic island — a crescent of volcanic cliffs topped with whitewashed villages and iconic blue-domed churches. The caldera views from Oia are unforgettable, and the island's volcanic black sand beaches are unlike anywhere else.

Mykonos is the cosmopolitan jewel of the Cyclades — famous for its dazzling whitewashed Cycladic architecture, windmills, party beaches and world-class nightlife. By day it's chic beach clubs; by night it's one of the Mediterranean's greatest parties.

Greece's largest island is a destination in its own right — with ancient Minoan palaces, Europe's longest gorge, stunning beaches and an incredible food tradition. Crete rewards exploration and has something for families, couples and solo travellers alike.

Rhodes blends a spectacular medieval old town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — with brilliant beaches and reliable sunshine. The island has excellent package holiday infrastructure and is one of the most popular choices for UK families.

Zante (Zakynthos) is famous for the iconic Navagio shipwreck beach — one of the most photographed spots in the world. The island also has the spectacular Blue Caves, loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches and a lively resort scene in Laganas.

Kos is one of Greece's most accessible and family-friendly islands. Famous for the birthplace of Hippocrates, it pairs ancient ruins with excellent beaches, easy cycling routes and a buzzing nightlife strip. Great value and easy to get around.

Made famous by 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin', Kefalonia is arguably the most beautiful of all the Greek Islands. Myrtos Beach — with its turquoise waters and dramatic white cliffs — is consistently voted one of Europe's best. Unspoilt and authentic.

Small but perfectly formed, Skiathos is famous for Koukounaries — one of Greece's finest beaches. The lively town has excellent tavernas and bars, and the island is ringed by over 60 beaches reachable by boat taxi.

Connected to the Greek mainland by a bridge, Lefkada is one of the Ionian's most beautiful islands. Porto Katsiki and Egremni beaches rival anywhere in the Mediterranean, and the island is a mecca for windsurfers and sailing enthusiasts.

Halkidiki is mainland Greece's answer to the islands — three peninsulas jutting into the Aegean, each with a different character. Kassandra is the liveliest; Sithonia is more unspoilt; and the third, Mount Athos, is a monastic republic. Crystal-clear water throughout.